Let’s talk about mental health MENtors

For many men, mental health can be a difficult subject to talk about. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 18 – 44 years.

A group of males in the Bundaberg community have taken the step to make a difference in the lives of others through the MENtor program.

The MENtor program is an initiative by Wesley Mission Queensland’s Marcus Mission. It aims to reduce the number of young men attempting to take their life or dying by suicide. The MENtor program teaches males new skills to then be able to connect with men experiencing distress and help them work through their issues.

Adrian Pearce has been attending the monthly MENtor workshops to help fellow males in the community.

“We lose six men a day to suicide,” he said.

“My sister suicided, so I know how those (affected) family members feel.

"I just want to be a small cog in a much larger machine to reduce those numbers.”

Glen Wallwork, Program Coordinator for Suicide Prevention said the MENtors will meet with men in the community regularly to work through the tough times.

"A lot of these guys have been through some tough times,” he said.

If you want to get in touch with a MENtor, phone 07 5569 1827. For more information about the program, please visit the Marcus Mission webpage.